These Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and oh-so-tasty! With a mild tang from sourdough, they’re perfect for any meal.
Honestly, watching these rolls disappear from the table is like magic! I love tearing into them and slathering on butter—who can resist that? 😋
Making these rolls is a breeze, especially with the sourdough starter doing most of the work. Serve them warm and enjoy the smiles around your dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: You’ll need an active sourdough starter for that delicious tangy flavor. If you don’t have one, you can substitute with 1 cup of plain yogurt for a different but tasty base. However, the sourdough adds a unique character to the rolls!
All-purpose Flour: This is key for structure and texture. You can replace it with bread flour to get rolls that are even chewier. If you need a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend might work, though the texture may vary.
Instant Yeast: Using optional instant yeast can speed up the fermentation process. If you skip it, just allow for a longer rise. This is what I usually do, and I love the depth of flavor it brings.
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives richness to the dough. If you’re lactose intolerant, unsweetened almond milk or any dairy-free milk works well, although it may make the dough slightly less rich.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for its fresh taste. If you want to keep it dairy-free, consider using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
How Do I Achieve the Best Rise for My Rolls?
Getting the rolls to rise well is critical for their texture. Here’s how to ensure a great rise:
- Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it. Feed it the night before if needed!
- When mixing in the warm milk, check that it’s warm—not hot—so you don’t kill the yeast in the starter.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth to retain moisture, which helps with the rising process.
- If your kitchen is cooler, you could place the dough in a warm spot, like an oven turned off but with the light on to create warmth.
With these tips, your rolls will come out fluffy and delicious every time! Enjoy making these rolls with your personal touch!
Pull Apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast (optional, for faster rise)
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for brushing)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus 4-6 hours for the first rise and 1-2 hours for the second proof. Overall, including baking time, you’ll want to set aside about 6-8 hours to make the perfect dinner rolls, mostly waiting for the dough to rise. But trust me, the wait is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combine your active sourdough starter, warm milk, and egg. Use a whisk to mix everything together nicely! This is the base of your dough.
2. Adding Dry Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, salt, and optional instant yeast if you want a quicker rise. Stir everything until thoroughly mixed. You want a nice blend of wet and dry ingredients before adding the flour.
3. Creating the Dough:
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until you form a shaggy dough. Once you have that, it’s time to transfer it to a floured surface!
4. Kneading the Dough:
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it feels smooth and elastic. As you knead, gradually incorporate the softened butter, ensuring that it gets mixed in well. This will make your rolls super fluffy!
5. First Rise:
Now, put your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature. If you’re not using yeast, allow it to rise for about 4-6 hours until it doubles in size. If you opted for yeast, it’ll take about 1-2 hours.
6. Shaping the Rolls:
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each piece into a smooth ball.
7. Second Proof:
Arrange the dough balls closely together in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them proof for another 1-2 hours. You should see that they get puffy again, almost doubling in size.
8. Prepping for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) now, so it’s hot and ready. While waiting, brush the tops of the rolls generously with melted butter and sprinkle a bit of coarse sea salt if you’d like!
9. Baking the Rolls:
Pop those beautiful rolls into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the tops to be deep golden brown, and when you tap the bottom, they should sound hollow.
10. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, take them out and brush the tops again with melted butter for that rich crust. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes; they’re going to smell amazing!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, let the rolls cool slightly before digging in. They’re perfect while warm with a little butter—just pull apart and enjoy every soft, tasty bite!
These sourdough rolls yield a tender, pull-apart texture with a subtle tang and buttery crust perfect for dinner or any occasion. Happy baking!
Can I Use Active Dried Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Absolutely! If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dried yeast instead. Just dissolve it in the warm milk before mixing with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that this may slightly extend the rising time.
How Can I Adjust for Altitude or Humidity?
At higher altitudes, you may need to add a little extra flour to avoid a sticky dough. Conversely, in very humid conditions, you can reduce the amount of liquid slightly to compensate for the moisture in the air. Always feel free to adjust until you achieve the right dough consistency!
Can I Make These Rolls Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different, but they should still be delicious! Make sure to check the specific baking instructions for your flour blend if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Rolls?
To reheat leftover rolls, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them stay soft and warm. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but keep an eye on them to avoid drying out!